Dispensing GP practices

We are very fortunate to be able to order and pick up our prescriptions at our local GP practice, with not one but three practices to choose from. This is quite unusual, as only about 1 in 8 GP practices is allowed to dispense its own prescriptions. Naturally, there are restrictions on which practices can dispense their own prescriptions. These are usually remote, rural and coastal practices, and have to be situated more than a mile from the nearest Pharmacy. Likewise, if you attend a dispensing practice, but live within one mile of a regular Pharmacy, you will have to pick up your prescription from the Pharmacy, not the practice.

Now, though superficially it may seem that this might be a nice little earner for the practice, this is certainly not the truth in many dispensing practices. Firstly, the Practice has to train and pay its dispensing staff, and relief staff. Then there is regular oversight by a Registered Pharmacist - this ensures safer prescribing overall. In DVMP's case it has to do this for three practices, and with wages going up considerably, all GP practices have to look carefully at Wage Bills.

Next, there is the way that GPs are paid for the medicines which they dispense. Regular high street pharmacies are re-imbursed on a monthly basis. Currently GPs may have to wait up to three months before they are repaid. Bear in mind that some drugs can cost over £850 per item, which can stretch cashflow considerably in some practices. On top of that, the Government apply an 11% clawback on this payment, which means that sometimes the GP can end up out of pocket on some prescriptions. 

Currently The BMA are looking at improving the way GP dispensing practices are funded, hoping to make it fairer to GPs who are willing to take on this vital role.

So, when you next pick up your prescription, consider what a pain it would be if you had to go all the way into town, every time, to do so. I know I certainly would find it very inconvenient!

BA 2023